What is Mini Gastric Bypass?

Mini gastric bypass, the application frequency of which has been increasing in recent years, can be defined as a newer version of the traditional gastric bypass procedure. The main difference in the mini gastric bypass procedure, which is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure, is that it is a less complex procedure as 2 meters of the small intestine are bypassed. Theoretically, the mini gastric bypass procedure has less risk of leakage as it only requires one anastomosis compared to gastric bypass surgery, which requires two anastomoses.

Mini gastric bypass is a reversible laparoscopic weight loss surgery that provides practical, comfortable, effective results. Mini gastric bypass surgery performs the same function as traditional gastric bypass surgery, but makes the stomach much smaller and reroutes the small intestine. The surgery is completed in a much shorter time than traditional gastric bypass surgery. Considering its weight loss and health benefits, it may become a more popular choice than gastric bypass surgery as it offers similar results.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery?

How much weight will be lost with mini gastric bypass surgery may vary for the patient. Mini gastric bypass surgery basically reduces the size of the patient’s stomach. Thus, patients can eat less food at a time. This means the start of a healthy weight loss process.

A typical patient undergoing mini gastric bypass surgery loses approximately 60% to 70% of their excess weight over an average of 2 years. Of course, this rate may be less or more for the patient. At this stage, it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s advice completely for optimum benefit.

How Long Does the Mini Gastric Bypass Take?

Mini gastric bypass surgery is completed in an average of 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, this period may vary depending on the patient and the surgeon, and if any other situation develops during the operation, the duration may be extended.

Mini gastric bypass surgery is a much simpler and faster procedure compared to traditional gastric bypass surgery, and the low risk of surgical errors and complications can be counted among the reasons why it is frequently preferred.

Is Mini Gastric Bypass Reversible?

Mini gastric bypass surgery is a bariatric surgery procedure that is reversible in some cases. This is made possible by the fact that no part of the stomach is completely removed, but instead the stomach is divided into two parts. To reverse the mini gastric bypass surgery, it is sufficient to remove the staples that divide the stomach into two. After this procedure, it is possible to restore the patient’s stomach to its original position.

However, reversal of mini gastric bypass surgery is not recommended unless there are very serious complications that necessitate this procedure. Reversing of mini gastric bypass surgery can become an option for patients suffering from various infections, intestinal obstruction, malnutrition and gastric perforation after surgery. While mini gastric bypass surgery is an easy and comfortable procedure on its own, reversing the procedure can be extremely complicated.

Advantages of Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

The main advantage of mini gastric bypass surgery is that it provides a large amount of weight loss in a significant proportion of patients and according to studies, it is one of the methods that provide the best weight loss in the long term.

Mini gastric bypass surgery usually has a wide range in consumption of the types of food that patients can tolerate. This means that patients have a good quality of life after surgery.

Mini gastric bypass surgery is reversible and technically easier than RNY gastric bypass surgery. Mini gastric bypass surgery, which has a lower food absorption rate, offers more permanent solutions against type 2 diabetes and other secondary diseases caused by overweight. The lower risk of complications and weight gain compared to other bariatric surgery procedures can be counted among the advantages of mini gastric bypass surgery.

However, mini gastric bypass surgery is not performed in patients with reflux. After the operation, there may be a risk of bile reflux, as well as irritation in the esophagus and gastritis due to reflux. In addition, patients who have had mini gastric bypass surgery may need lifelong vitamin and iron supplements.

After Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

After mini gastric bypass surgery, patients can be kept under observation in the hospital for 3-4 days. The patient does not eat for the first 2 days. If it is determined that there is no risk of leakage, the consumption of juicy foods can be started after the 3rd day. If the patient consumes watery foods without any problems, the consumption of puree and soft foods can be continued.

After the mini gastric bypass surgery, a sleeve can be placed from the nose to the stomach for 2-3 periods in order to empty the stomach contents. In order to prevent the formation of blood clots, special socks can be worn on the feet and legs, as well as the taking of drugs for the same purpose. Painkillers are prescribed so that a possible pain does not reduce the patient’s comfort of life.